Preparing to be a mother for the first time can be exciting, as well as extremely overwhelming. You can read a million books on being a first time Mom, but nothing can truly prepare you for how much this little person will need you, how much you will need them, how you are going to feel due to lack of sleep…basically how much your entire life will change.
With so many things to think about (diapers, feedings, naps, etc), the one thing that wasn’t on my radar was that my time for exercise was going to be very limited. I do much better at everything when I can exercise. Sure, I had a membership to a gym, but my son had to be 6 months before he could go to the daycare. Plus, once he hit 6 months, was I really ready to let go? There were big kids in that daycare too. Lots of them. Truthfully, by the time baby #3 was born, I was more than ready to hand her over to the gym daycare. But, as a first time Mom, I was EXTREMELY over protective. I know I am not alone on this one. So, my options were limited to waiting for my husband to get home (too tired to exercise by that time) or going on multiple walks a day (that is what I did). But, I missed the burn.
So, when I met Heather and learned about Baby Bootcamp, I just knew I had to share her story with our Schuler Shoes friends. Heather is a health and wellness partner of Schuler Shoes and believes in Building a Healthy Foundation from Your Feet Up. So, while she is helping new mamas feel good about themselves, she is also incorporating good shoes into the mix.
Here’s Heather’s story…
Fitness and nutrition have always been important in my daily life, but after the birth of my son I found it difficult to find the time to get a great workout in. A walk around the lake is enjoyable, but I was looking for a more challenging workout that wouldn’t be limited by the weather or cost extra in daycare and I was also interested in the social interaction of working out with other moms. I stumbled upon the Baby Boot Camp ad in Parenting magazine and instantly knew this is what I had been looking for. Unfortunately, there were no Baby Boot Camp classes currently offered in Minnesota or Wisconsin. So, I thought it would be a great opportunity to bring Baby Boot Camp to the Midwest.
Baby Boot Camp is a stroller based fitness program that allows you to get in shape while your child(ren) also receive a stimulating developmental experience. The classes are 60 minutes long and include cardio and strength training circuits. Classes are a great bonding experience for mother and child as well as a great time for moms to get together for some social time. Pre-natal moms are also welcome to class so they can be active throughout their pregnancy, which helps combat the “baby blues”.
I know what you might be thinking, it sounds like I need to get in shape before I can even take classes! I want you to know that ALL fitness levels are welcome to Baby Boot Camp classes. The unique thing about the class is that they are kept small so you get individualized instruction, more like having a personal trainer than being in a large group exercise class. I ensure that everybody participating in class gets a great workout by offering lots of modifications, so the first time exerciser and the conditioned athlete can be in the same class and both benefit from an amazing workout.
Classes are held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 9-10am at Woodbury Lakes Shopping Center. Classes are held inside at the Valley Creek Mall during inclement weather. Be sure to like us on Facebook and check out our website at https://www.babybootcamp.com/MN-Afton.aspx so you are kept up-to-date on all the happenings with Baby Boot Camp as well as Facebook only promotions and deals.
I am the proud momma to my little boy, Evan, who will be turning 2 in June. Evan is at every class with me and loves the interaction with the other children. I am committed to help you get your pre-baby body back and I look forward to helping you exceed your fitness goals.
I will also be offering a 5K training program starting in July. This class will meet on Tuesday evenings at 7pm for eight weeks and is perfect for anybody who is interested in completing a 5K. Please email me for more information ([email protected]).
Your first class is always FREE, so be sure to come and check it out! I look forward to seeing you in class soon.
Heather Hampton has a Bachelors Degree in Dietetics from the University of WI-Stout and a Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of MN-Mankato. Heather is a certified YogaFit instructor and is currently working on her personal trainer certification.
